Tony Popovic set to retire

Sydney FC captain Tony Popovic will today announce his retirement after a nearly 20-year career which saw him play in Japan, England and Qatar and make 59 appearances for the Socceroos.

A lunch time press conference at the Sydney Football Stadium will see the defender make the announcement due to a series of niggling injuries which have hampered his performance.

Popovic was an integral part of the Socceroos team which qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and appeared in a finals match against Brazil.

“Poppa” retired from international football following Australia’s first post-World Cup friendly on home soil, against Paraguay at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium in October 2006.

The 35-year old joined Sydney FC in 2007 and made a total of 27 A-League appearances for the Sky Blues. He will remain with the club as a member of the coaching staff.

Published on November 11, 2008